- Many people need assistive devices to live better daily.
- Children and older people often cannot get help needed.
- In many countries access to devices is very low.
- People wait a long time before receiving devices needed.
- High costs and long travel make access hard today.
- Many people must pay themselves for assistive care services.
- Users say prosthetics and aids change their lives greatly.
- Experts ask governments to provide more help now quickly.
Difficult words
- device — small machine or tool for a specific usedevices
- access — ability to get or use something
- cost — money needed to buy or use somethingcosts
- receive — to get something that is givenreceiving
- aid — tool or help for people with needsaids
- government — group that leads and runs a countrygovernments
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you or someone you know use an assistive device?
- Have you waited a long time to get a device?
- Do you think governments should give more help now?
Related articles
Brain differences in WTC responders with PTSD
New imaging research of World Trade Center responders finds measurable brain structure differences linked to long-term PTSD. Researchers used gray-white contrast (GWC) MRI and other markers to distinguish responders with and without PTSD.
Citizen archivists record South Asian oral traditions
Citizen archivists in South Asia record folk songs, oral histories, riddles and traditional medicinal knowledge. They upload videos and transcriptions to Wikimedia Commons, Wikisource and Wikipedia to preserve fading cultural knowledge.
Sudan turns to AI as health system struggles
Sudan’s health system is under severe strain after an almost two‑year civil war. A senior health official says the country is using artificial intelligence to help provide care where normal services no longer reach, while shortages and attacks worsen the crisis.